River Ouse Drainage Basin

Question 1

How does geology impact the River Ouse Drainage Basin?

Answer 1

Yoredale rocks and Carboniferous limestone are present in the basin.

Question 2

What types of soils are found in the upland areas of the River Ouse Drainage Basin?

Answer 2

Upland areas are dominated by “sponge-like” peat soils.

Question 3

How has farming affected the River Ouse Drainage Basin?

Answer 3

Crop and dairy farming are prominent. Gripping was used to level the moor in the 1960s and 1970s.

Question 4

What urban developments have occurred in the River Ouse Drainage Basin?

Answer 4

The A1 was constructed in 1961. In the 1980s and 1990s, Clifton Moor (a business park) was developed.

Balance ponds or “sustainable urban drainage” have been introduced.

Boroughbridge defences, including the diversion and pumping of the River Turn, were built in the 1980s.